Abstract
Objectives
1. Describe the concept of hope based on perspectives of AYAs who experienced advanced
cancer. 2. Differentiate the role hope has for AYAs before, during, and after experiencing
cancer.
Context
In clinical care, addressing patients’ hopes may stimulate conversations about their
goals, concerns, and values; helping clinicians focus on patient-centered interventions
to support the patient's psychological, spiritual, and existential needs.
Methods
This descriptive qualitative study used a phenomenology informed approach to depict
experiences with hope by AYAs who have advanced cancer. The participants completed
two semi-structured audio-recorded virtual interviews and co-created narratives and
drawings about the role of hope before, during, and after experiencing cancer. Thematic
analyses were performed on the narratives.
Results
Fifteen AYAs aged 12–21 years were recruited from an academic medical center and an
online non-profit organization. During data collection participants had either completed
treatments (60%), or were actively receiving treatments (40%). Approximately 67% of
the sample experienced at least one relapse. A main theme identified from the narratives
was Transitions of Hope. Participants described differences in their hope before and after experiencing cancer.
Participants who experienced a relapse reported their past experiences helped them
build hope during their relapse. Participants described a new sense of purpose after
experiencing cancer, such as starting a non-profit organization, giving back to others,
doing “what I'm passionate about”, and honoring the legacies of others.
Conclusion
Transitions in the role of hope occurred over time, becoming a source of mental sustenance
during cancer treatment, and a source of altruism after experiencing cancer. This
study adds to the understanding of hope for AYAs who have advanced cancer.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 07, 2021
Accepted:
November 24,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
